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Psychiatric assessment for man who tried to rob shops armed with golf club and pint glass
Summary
A 22‑year‑old man, Francis Lyons, pleaded guilty to attempting to rob two Dublin shops on 16 April 2018. He entered Topaz armed with a golf club and a pint glass, failed to obtain money, threatened to return and kill staff, and then went to the neighbouring Eurospar demanding money. Security staff restrained him, one of whom was head‑butted, and Lyons was arrested. He admitted to the Gardaí that he had been drinking at home and listening to rap music when something "triggered" in his head, and that he had not taken medication or drugs, only alcohol. He described himself as "tipsy" and said he acted because he owed money for bills. His defence counsel, Mark Lynam, expressed concerns about possible psychiatric issues and requested a psychiatric assessment. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court adjourned sentencing to 27 January to allow a psychiatric report to be prepared and to consider a probation report for community service.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Psychiatric assessment for man who tried to rob shops armed with golf club and pint glass. Charges or matters: attempted robbery of Topaz and Eurospar in Hartstown on April 16, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 16, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 27 Adjournment
- 2019-11-07 Publication
Why: He said he did it because he owed money, not to people but just for bills. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: attempted robbery of Topaz and Eurospar in Hartstown on April 16, 2018 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He also ordered a probation report include assessing Lyons for community service.; Judge Martin Nolan adjourned sentencing until January 27 to allow the psychiatric report be prepared.
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